JP5316345B2 - Flow control valve - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flow control valve in which leakage of fluid from a valve element is prevented. <P>SOLUTION: A room-outside expansion valve (15) includes a second movable valve element (42) formed with a groove (45) for an expansion valve, wherein a refrigerant flows. The groove (45) for an expansion valve passes through the second movable valve element (42) in the axial direction and includes: a second fixed valve element (41) and a third fixed valve element (48) opposite to each other with a predetermined gap between both end surfaces of the second movable valve element (42) in the axial direction thereof; and a first seal member (46a) and a second seal member (46b) arranged in the periphery of the groove (45) for an expansion valve, being air-tightly fitted to each of the fixed valve elements (41, 48) so as to seal the gap. The second fixed valve element (41) is formed with connection ports (A, B), and on the other hand, the first seal member (46a) has a closing part (49) formed in a size capable of closing the connection port (B) in response to the rotation of the second movable valve element (42). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

    The present invention relates to a flow control valve, and particularly relates to measures for preventing fluid leakage.

    Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 8, a refrigerant circuit (a) used in a refrigerator or the like includes a compressor (b), a four-way switching valve (c), an outdoor heat exchanger (d), an electronic expansion valve ( e), an electromagnetic valve (f), an indoor expansion valve (g), and an indoor heat exchanger (h) are connected in order. This refrigerant circuit (a) switches the flow of fluid (refrigerant) by a valve mechanism such as the four-way switching valve (c), the electronic expansion valve (e), and the electromagnetic valve (f).

    First, as shown in FIG. 9, the four-way switching valve (c) in the refrigerant circuit (a) is provided in the high-pressure gas refrigerant (P) and is configured to be movable left and right (i). And is attached to a valve seat (k) in which a fluid passage (j) is formed. The low-pressure refrigerant sucked into the compressor (b) flows through the inside of the valve body (i) and the fluid passage (j). In the four-way switching valve (c), the valve body (i) and the valve seat (k) are brought into close contact with each other when the valve body (i) is pressed against the valve seat (k) by the high-pressure gas refrigerant (P). This prevents the low-pressure refrigerant inside the valve body (i) from leaking to the outside (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-317839 A

    By the way, as shown in FIG. 10, in the electronic expansion valve (e) in the refrigerant circuit (a), an expansion chamber (m) is formed inside the valve body (l). For this reason, for example, when the high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (d) is introduced into the expansion chamber (m), the high-pressure liquid refrigerant is depressurized in the expansion chamber (m), and the low-pressure two-phase refrigerant As derived. This high-pressure liquid refrigerant has a lower pressure than the above-described high-pressure gas refrigerant (P) and a higher pressure than the low-pressure refrigerant. That is, since the differential pressure between the high pressure gas refrigerant (P) existing outside the valve body (l) and the high pressure liquid refrigerant existing inside the valve body (l) is small, the valve body (l) and the valve seat ( As a result, the adhesiveness to n) could not be secured, and as a result, the refrigerant in the expansion chamber (m) leaked to the outside of the valve body (l).

    The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to reliably prevent fluid from leaking from a valve body in a flow control valve.

    The first invention includes a movable valve body (42) in which a communication passage (45) through which a fluid flows is formed, and the movable valve body (42) rotates around a predetermined axis, thereby the communication passage (45). ) Is a flow control valve for controlling the communication state between the plurality of valve holes (A, B), wherein the communication passage (45) passes through the movable valve body (42) in the axial direction, A first valve seat (41) and a second valve seat (48) that face each other with a predetermined gap between both end surfaces of the movable valve body (42) in the axial direction, and the movable valve body (42). The first seal member (46a) is provided at both end surfaces in the axial direction of the first seal member (46a) disposed around the communication passage (45) in close contact with the valve seats (41, 48) so as to seal the gap. ) And a second seal member (46b), and the first valve seat (41) is formed with the plurality of valve holes (A, B), while the first seal member (46a) , The movable valve body (42 ) Has a closed portion (49) formed to a size capable of closing at least one valve hole (B) among the plurality of valve holes (A, B).

    In the first aspect of the invention, the movable valve element (42) rotates around the axis, thereby controlling the communication state between the plurality of valve holes (A, B). The amount of fluid flowing is controlled.

    Here, the first seal member (46a) is provided in a gap between the first valve seat (41) and the movable valve body (42) to seal the gap. The second seal member (46b) is provided in a gap between the second valve seat (48) and the movable valve body (42) to seal the gap. As a result, the fluid flowing through the communication passage (45) of the movable valve body (42) does not leak outside through the gap.

    The first seal member (46a) has a closed portion (49), and the closed portion (49) has a plurality of valve holes (A, B) according to the rotation of the movable valve body (42). At least one valve hole (B) can be closed.

    In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the movable valve body (42) is formed of an elastic body and presses the first seal member (46a) toward the first valve seat (41). A first pressing member (47a) and a second pressing member (47b) formed of an elastic body and pressing the second seal member (46b) toward the second valve seat (48) are provided.

    In the second aspect of the invention, when the first pressing member (47a) presses the first seal member (46a) toward the first valve seat (41), the first seal member (46a) and the first valve seat (41) The adhesion between the two increases. Thereby, the clearance gap between a movable valve body (42) and a 1st valve seat (41) is sealed more. When the second pressing member (47b) presses the second seal member (46b) toward the second valve seat (48), the adhesion between the second seal member (46b) and the second valve seat (48) is increased. To increase. Thereby, the clearance gap between a movable valve body (42) and a 2nd valve seat (48) is sealed more.

    In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the movable valve element (42) has a first groove (42a) for accommodating the first seal member (46a) and the second seal member (46b), respectively. And the second groove (42b) are formed, and the first pressing member (47a) and the second pressing member (47b) are accommodated in the first groove (42a) and the second groove (42b), respectively. Has been.

    In the said 3rd invention, the 1st groove | channel (42a) has accommodated the 1st press member (47a) and the 1st seal member (46a) inside. The first pressing member (47a) presses the first seal member (46a) toward the first valve seat (41) in the first groove (42a). The second groove (42b) accommodates the second pressing member (47b) and the second seal member (46b) inside. The second pressing member (47b) presses the second seal member (46b) toward the second valve seat (48) in the second groove (42b).

    According to a fourth invention, in any one of the first to third inventions, the first valve seat (41) includes the first valve hole (A) and the second valve hole (A, B). And the first valve hole (A) and the second valve hole (B) are arranged on the same virtual circle on the first valve seat (41), and the communication path (45) is formed in a throttle groove (45) having a groove width gradually reduced along the rotation direction of the movable valve body (42) in a plan view, and the throttle according to the rotation of the movable valve body (42). The groove (45) is configured to control the throttle amount of the first valve hole (A) or the second valve hole (B).

    In the fourth aspect of the invention, when the movable valve body (42) is rotated, the throttle groove (45) gradually reduces the throttle amount of the first valve hole (A) or the second valve hole (B) according to the rotation. Control from closed to fully open.

    According to the first aspect of the invention, the first seal member (46a) and the second seal member (41) between the first valve seat (41) and the second valve seat (48) and the movable valve body (42). Since 46b) is provided, the space between the movable valve body (42), the first valve seat (41), and the second valve seat (48) can be sealed (sealed). This reduces sliding friction between the movable valve body (42) and both valve seats (41, 48) in the flow control valve, and allows fluid to flow from the communication path (45) of the movable valve body (42). It is possible to reliably prevent leakage. Moreover, since the closed portion (49) is provided in the first seal member (46a), the one valve hole (B) can be closed in accordance with the rotation of the movable valve body (42). As a result, the communication state between the plurality of valve holes (A, B) can be switched.

    According to the second invention, the first pressing member (47a) and the second pressing member (47b) press the first sealing member (46a) and the second sealing member (46b), respectively. The adhesion between the first seal member (46a) and the first valve seat (41) and the adhesion between the second seal member (46b) and the second valve seat (48) can be improved. Thereby, the clearance gap between a movable valve body (42) and both valve seats (41, 48) can be sealed more. As a result, in the flow control valve, it is possible to reliably prevent fluid from leaking outside from the communication passage (45) of the movable valve body (42).

    According to the third invention, since the first groove (42a) and the second groove (42b) are provided in the movable valve body (42), the first pressing member (47a) and the first seal member (46a) are provided. Can be accommodated in the first groove (42a), and the second pressing member (47b) and the second seal member (46b) can be accommodated in the second groove (42b).

    According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the throttle groove (45) having a groove width gradually reduced along the rotation direction of the movable valve body (42) in plan view is formed. The throttle groove (45) can adjust the throttle amount of the first valve hole (A) or the second valve hole (B). Thereby, the flow volume of the fluid which flows between both valve holes (A, B) can be adjusted.

FIG. 3 is a piping system diagram illustrating a refrigerant circuit according to the first embodiment. It is the figure which represented typically the longitudinal cross-sectional structure of the composite valve which concerns on this Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) is a top view which shows the structure of a 1st fixed valve body and a 1st movable valve body, (B) is a top view which shows the structure of a 2nd fixed valve body and a 2nd movable valve body. In a state where the connection port (B) is fully opened, (A) schematically shows the structure of the expansion valve groove, and (B) schematically shows the structure of the outdoor expansion valve. (A) is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the expansion valve groove, and (B) is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the outdoor expansion valve in a state where the connection port (B) is semi-closed. . In the state which closed the connection port (B), (A) is the figure which represented the structure of the groove | channel for expansion valves typically, (B) is the figure which represented the structure of the outdoor expansion valve typically. . It is a figure explaining the structure of the compound valve which concerns on this Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a piping system diagram which shows the refrigerant circuit which concerns on a prior art example. It is the figure which represented typically the structure of the four-way selector valve concerning a prior art example. It is the figure which represented typically the structure of the electronic expansion valve which concerns on a prior art example.

    Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1>
<Overview>
As Embodiment 1 of the present invention, an example of an air conditioner (refrigeration apparatus) capable of cooling operation and heating operation will be described. This air conditioner performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle by circulating a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit. FIG. 1 is a refrigerant piping system diagram of a refrigerant circuit (11) in an air conditioner (10) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the refrigerant circuit (11) includes a compressor (12), a four-way switching valve (13), an outdoor heat exchanger (14) (heat source side heat exchanger), and an outdoor expansion valve (15). (Heat source side expansion valve), on-off valve (16), indoor side expansion valve (17) (use side expansion valve), and indoor heat exchanger (18) (use side heat exchanger). In the first embodiment, the four-way switching valve (13), the outdoor expansion valve (15), and the on-off valve (16) are integrated to form a composite valve (30). The compressor (12), the outdoor heat exchanger (14), and the composite valve (30) are accommodated in the outdoor unit (19), and the indoor heat exchanger (18) and the indoor side expansion valve (17) are indoor units. Contained in (20). The outdoor unit (19) and the indoor unit (20) are connected by a communication pipe. Below, each component of a refrigerant circuit (11) is first outlined, and the structure of a composite valve (30) is demonstrated after that. In the following description, “communication control” for valves such as the four-way switching valve (13), the outdoor expansion valve (15), and the on-off valve (16) is control for switching the connection relationship of the connection ports. It is a concept that includes various controls such as control of the valve in two stages, an open state and a closed state, and control for continuously changing the flow rate of the fluid. The outdoor expansion valve (15) constitutes a flow control valve according to the present invention.

《Compressor (12), each heat exchanger (14, 18)》
The compressor (12) of the first embodiment is an electric scroll compressor. The compressor (12) is not limited to the scroll compressor, and various types of compressors (for example, a rotary compressor) can be employed. The outdoor heat exchanger (14) and the indoor heat exchanger (18) adopt a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger in the air conditioner (10). In the outdoor heat exchanger (14), the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (11) exchanges heat with outdoor air taken in by an outdoor fan (not shown). In the indoor heat exchanger (18), the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit (11) exchanges heat with indoor air taken in by an indoor fan (not shown).

《Four-way selector valve (13)》
The four-way switching valve (13) is a valve that is used when the operating state of the air conditioner (10) is switched between the cooling operation and the heating operation. The four-way selector valve (13) includes four connection ports (C, D, E, S) for connecting pipes. The four-way switching valve (13) has a first communication state in which the connection ports (C, D) communicate with each other and the connection ports (E, S) communicate with each other, and the connection ports (D, E) The two communication states are switched to a second communication state in which the connection ports (C, S) communicate with each other.

    In this air conditioner (10), the connection port (C) is connected to one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (14), and the connection port (D) is connected to the discharge port of the compressor (12). The connection port (E) is connected to one end of the indoor heat exchanger (18), and the connection port (S) is connected to the suction port of the compressor (12). The air conditioner (10) is switched to the first communication state when the cooling operation is performed, and is switched to the second communication state when the heating operation is performed.

《Outdoor, indoor expansion valve (15,17), open / close valve (16)》
The outdoor expansion valve (15) is a valve that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11), and can adjust the opening degree continuously. This outdoor expansion valve (15) is mainly used for flow rate adjustment when heating operation is performed. The outdoor expansion valve (15) in this example is formed as a composite valve (30). However, in a conventional air conditioner, a so-called motor-operated valve that can continuously adjust the opening degree is provided in this part. Often adopted.

    The on-off valve (16) is a valve that can be switched between a fully open state and a fully closed state. The on-off valve (16) is connected in parallel with the outdoor expansion valve (15). Although the on-off valve (16) is also formed as a composite valve (30), a so-called electromagnetic valve is often used for this part in a conventional air conditioner. In the refrigerant circuit (11), the outdoor expansion valve (15) and the on-off valve (16) are connected to one end of the outdoor heat exchanger (14) (the side opposite to the four-way switching valve (13)) and the indoor side Each is connected to one end of the expansion valve (17).

  The indoor expansion valve (17) is also a valve for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (11), and one end thereof is connected to the indoor heat exchanger (18). The indoor expansion valve (17) is mainly used for adjusting the flow rate of the refrigerant when the cooling operation is performed. Therefore, the indoor expansion valve (17) can continuously adjust the opening, and specifically employs an electric valve.

<Composition of compound valve (30)>
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a longitudinal sectional structure of the composite valve (30) according to the present embodiment. In this example, the composite valve (30) includes a first fixed valve body (31), a second fixed valve body (41), a third fixed valve body (48), a first movable valve body (33), and a second movable valve body. A valve body (42) and a casing (50) are provided. The first fixed valve element (31), the second fixed valve element (41), the third fixed valve element (48), the first movable valve element (33), and the second movable valve element (42) are formed of a casing (50 ). The casing (50) is a closed dome type pressure vessel. Further, although not shown, the casing (50) accommodates a motor for driving the first movable valve body (33) and the second movable valve body (42), and this motor has a drive shaft (51). To the first movable valve body (33) and the second movable valve body (42).

    As described above, the composite valve (30) is an integrated unit of the four-way switching valve (13), the outdoor expansion valve (15), and the on-off valve (16). ) And the first fixed valve body (31) constitute a rotary valve that functions as a four-way switching valve (13), and the second movable valve body (42), the second fixed valve body (41), and the third fixed valve body. The valve body (48) constitutes a rotary valve that functions as an outdoor expansion valve (15) and an on-off valve (16). Hereinafter, these components will be described.

<First fixed valve body (31)>
FIG. 3A is a plan view showing the configuration of the first fixed valve body (31) and the first movable valve body (33). The first fixed valve body (31) has a disk shape and is fixed in the casing (50) (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 3A, the first fixed valve body (31) is formed with four connection ports (C, D, E, S) for the four-way switching valve (13).

    These connection ports (C, D, E, S) are all circular holes having the same diameter, and are arranged in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the first fixed valve body (31). Specifically, these connection ports (C, D, E, S) are arranged at a predetermined angular interval (α) so that the center of each hole is located on the same virtual circle. In this example, the connection ports (C, D, E, S) are α = 90 °. The first fixed valve body (31) is fixed in the casing (50) so that the center of the virtual circle coincides with the axis of the drive shaft (51).

<First movable valve element (33)>
The first movable valve body (33) has a fan-shaped (generally semicircular shape) planar shape, and the first movable valve body (33) is arranged on the upper surface (upper side in FIG. 3A) side of the first fixed valve body (31). The first fixed valve body (31) is disposed so as to be in sliding contact, while the second fixed valve body (41) is disposed so as to be in sliding contact with the second fixed valve body (41). A drive shaft (51) is attached to the center (M) of the first movable valve body (33). Accordingly, the first movable valve body (33) is rotationally driven by the motor, and is relatively displaced in the rotational direction with respect to the first fixed valve body (31). The first fixed valve body (31) is provided with a pin-like stopper (32), and the rotational direction position of the first movable valve body (33) is restricted within a certain range.

    The first movable valve body (33) is formed with a switching valve groove (34) (communication groove). The switching valve groove (34) is used for switching the communication state between predetermined connection ports (C, D, E, S) of the first fixed valve body (31). For example, FIG. 3A illustrates a state in which the switching valve groove (34) is positioned on the connection port (C, S) and communicates between the connection ports (C, S). A groove having a predetermined width is formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the first movable valve body (33) along the peripheral edge of the switching valve groove (34), and seal members (35, 35) are accommodated in the groove. ing. The seal member (35, 35) seals the space in the switching valve groove (34) and the space in the casing (50).

    In a state where the connection ports (C, S) communicate with each other, the first movable valve body (33) overlaps only with the connection port (C, S) and does not overlap with the connection port (D, E). . Thereby, the connection ports (D, E) are opened to the space in the casing (50), and the connection ports (D, E) communicate with each other in the space in the casing (50) (FIG. 3A). reference). That is, the state shown in FIG. 3A corresponds to the second communication state of the four-way switching valve (13).

    From this state, when the first movable valve body (33) rotates clockwise and the switching valve groove (34) comes on the connection port (E, S), the connection port (E, S) is not connected. Communicated.

    In a state where the connection ports (E, S) communicate with each other, the first movable valve body (33) overlaps only with the connection port (E, S) and does not overlap with the connection port (C, D). Yes. Thereby, the connection ports (C, D) are opened to the space in the casing (50), and the connection ports (C, D) communicate with each other in the space in the casing (50) (FIG. 3A). reference). That is, it corresponds to the first communication state. Thus, the four-way switching valve (13) is constituted by the first fixed valve body (31) and the first movable valve body (33) (specifically, the switching valve groove (34)).

<Second fixed valve body (41)>
FIG. 3B is a plan view showing the configuration of the second fixed valve body (41) and the second movable valve body (42). The second fixed valve body (41) has a disk shape and is fixed in the casing (50) (see FIG. 2). In addition, the 2nd fixed valve body (41) comprises the 1st valve seat which concerns on this invention.
As shown in FIG. 3B, two connection ports (A, B) are formed in the second fixed valve body (41). The connection ports (A, B) are all circular holes having the same diameter, and are arranged on the same virtual circle at a predetermined interval. In addition, this connection port (A, B) comprises the valve hole which concerns on this invention. The connection port (A) constitutes the first valve hole, and the connection port (B) constitutes the second valve hole. The second fixed valve body (41) is attached to the casing (50) so that the center of the virtual circle is on the axis of the drive shaft (51).

<Second movable valve body (42)>
The second movable valve body (42) has a fan-shaped (generally semicircular in this example) planar shape, and the second movable valve body (42) is located on the upper surface (upper side in FIG. 3B) side of the second fixed valve body (41). The second fixed valve body (41) is disposed so as to be in sliding contact, and the third fixed valve body (48) is disposed on the lower surface side so as to be in sliding contact with the third fixed valve body (48). In addition, the 2nd movable valve body (42) comprises the movable valve body which concerns on this invention. A drive shaft (51) is attached to the center of the second movable valve body (42). Thereby, the second movable valve body (42) is rotationally driven by the motor and is relatively displaced in the rotational direction with respect to the second fixed valve body (41). That is, the second movable valve body (42) is rotationally driven integrally with the first movable valve body (33).

    The second movable valve body (42) is formed with an opening / closing valve groove (43) and an expansion valve groove (45). The on-off valve groove (43) constitutes the on-off valve (16) together with the connection port (A, B), and the expansion valve groove (45) together with the connection port (A, B) Is configured. Hereinafter, the on-off valve groove (43) and the expansion valve groove (45) will be described.

-Groove for on-off valve (43)-
The on-off valve groove (43) is a groove whose planar shape is an arc and whose width is constant. In the composite valve (30), when the first movable valve body (33) is set to the position of the first communication state, the on-off valve groove (43) is connected to the connection port (A , B), the connection ports (A, B) communicate with each other. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the position and width of the on-off valve groove (43) are set as follows.

    That is, the on-off valve groove (43) is a virtual circle (described above) in which an arc passing through the groove center (hereinafter referred to as a center arc; see FIG. 3B) defines the position of the connection port (A, B). And the same curvature and concentricity. The groove width of the on-off valve groove (43) is set to be the same as or slightly larger than the hole diameter of the connection port (A, B). The central arc length of the on-off valve groove (43), that is, the central angle of the central arc is matched with the interval between the connection ports (A, B). The second movable valve body (42) and the second fixed valve body (41) are configured so that the on-off valve groove (43) is connected to the connection port (A, B) when the four-way switching valve (13) is in the first communication state. ) Is set so that the relative position in the rotation direction is opposite. A groove having a predetermined width is formed on each of the upper and lower surfaces of the second movable valve body (42) along the peripheral edge of the opening / closing valve groove (43), and a seal member (not shown) is accommodated in the groove. Has been. The seal member seals the space in the on-off valve groove (43) and the space in the casing (50).

    With the above configuration, when the four-way selector valve (13) is in the first communication state, the connection ports (A, B) are in communication, and in other cases, the connection ports (A, B) are for on-off valves. It does not communicate with the groove (43). That is, the second movable valve body (42) (the on-off valve groove (43)) and the second fixed valve body (41) constitute an on-off valve (16) that controls the connection ports (A, B). ing.

-Expansion valve groove (45)-
The expansion valve groove (45) is a groove whose width changes in the length direction, and constitutes the communication path and the throttle groove according to the present invention. When the first movable valve body (33) is rotationally driven by a motor and set to a position corresponding to the second communication state of the four-way switching valve (13), the second movable valve body (42) is expanded. The valve groove (45) faces the connection port (A, B) and communicates between the connection ports (A, B).

    Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), the expansion valve groove (45) has an arcuate center line, and the arc (hereinafter referred to as the center arc) has an opening / closing valve groove (43). ) And the same curvature and concentricity with the central arc. And the groove | channel width | variety of the groove | channel for expansion valves (45) is decreasing gradually along the displacement direction (namely, rotation direction) of a 2nd movable valve body (42). In the example of FIG. 3B, the portion with the largest groove width is approximately the same size as the diameter of the connection port (A, B). The central angle of the central arc of the expansion valve groove (45) is set larger than the interval between the connection ports (A, B).

    Next, the structure around the second movable valve element (42), which is a characteristic part of the present invention, will be described in detail.

    FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the structure around the second movable valve body (42). As shown in FIG. 4B, the second movable valve body (42) is provided with a gap having a predetermined width between the second fixed valve body (41) and the third fixed valve body (48). It has been. In the present embodiment, the gap is formed to be about 0.5 mm. And the groove | channel (the 1st groove | channel (42a) and the 2nd groove | channel (42b)) of the predetermined width along the periphery of the groove | channel for expansion valve (45), respectively on the upper and lower surfaces of the 2nd movable valve body (42) Is formed.

    The first groove (42a) is a groove formed along the periphery of the expansion valve groove (45) on the surface of the second movable valve body (42) facing the second fixed valve body (41). The lower O-ring (47a) and the first seal member (46a) are accommodated in the first groove (42a).

    As shown in FIG. 4A, the first seal member (46a) has a fan shape in plan view, and is provided along the periphery of the expansion valve groove (45). The first seal member (46a) is accommodated in the first groove (42a) and is pressed toward the second fixed valve body (41) by the lower O-ring (47a). The lower O-ring (47a) constitutes a first pressing member according to the present invention. That is, the lower O-ring (47a) presses the first seal member (46a), thereby bringing the first seal member (46a) and the second fixed valve body (41) into close contact with each other. The first seal member (46a) seals the space in the expansion valve groove (45) and the space in the casing (50). The first seal member (46a) is the same as the hole diameter of the connection port (A, B) at the end of one end side (left side in FIG. 4A) in the rotational direction of the second movable valve body (42). Alternatively, a slightly larger blocking portion (49) is formed. That is, the first seal member (46a) is configured such that the closing portion (49) can close the connection port (B) according to the rotation of the second movable valve body (42).

    The second groove (42b) is a groove formed along the periphery of the expansion valve groove (45) on the surface of the second movable valve body (42) facing the third fixed valve body (48). An upper O-ring (47b) and a second seal member (46b) are accommodated in the second groove (42b).

    As shown in FIG. 4A, the second seal member (46b) has a fan shape in plan view, and is provided along the periphery of the expansion valve groove (45). The second seal member (46b) is accommodated in the second groove (42b) and is pressed toward the third fixed valve body (48) by the upper O-ring (47b). The upper O-ring (47b) constitutes a second pressing member according to the present invention. That is, the upper O-ring (47b) presses the second seal member (46b), thereby bringing the second seal member (46b) and the third fixed valve body (48) into close contact with each other. The space in the expansion valve groove (45) and the space in the casing (50) are sealed by the second seal member (46b).

    Therefore, for example, when performing heating operation with the air conditioner (10), the high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (18) is introduced into the space in the expansion valve groove (45). The space formed in the expansion valve groove (45) is lower in pressure than the space in the casing (50) filled with the high-pressure refrigerant and higher in pressure than the low-pressure refrigerant after expansion. The differential pressure between the two spaces is small.

    However, since both the seal members (45a, 46b) are pressed by both O-rings (47a, 47b), the second seal member (46a) and the second fixed valve body (41) and the second The adhesion between the seal member (46b) and the third fixed valve body (48) is improved. Thereby, the refrigerant (high-pressure liquid refrigerant) in the expansion valve groove (45) does not leak into the space in the casing (50).

    In the example of FIG. 5, the second movable valve body (42) rotates and a part of the connection port (A) and the connection port (B) are opposed to the expansion valve groove (45), and the connection port (B) The circumferential position of the expansion valve groove (45) and the like are set so that the remaining portion is out of the position opposed to the expansion valve groove (45). At this position, since the connection port (B) is partially closed by the first seal member (46a), the flow rate of the refrigerant passing through the outdoor expansion valve (15) is limited.

    In the example of FIG. 6, the second movable valve body (42) rotates so that only the connection port (A) faces the expansion valve groove (45), and the connection port (B) is connected to the expansion valve groove (45). The position of the expansion valve groove (45) in the circumferential direction is set so as to deviate from the opposite position. In this position, the connection port (B) is closed by the first seal member (46a), and the connection port (A, B) is controlled to be closed.

<Operation of air conditioner (10)>
<Cooling operation>
When the air conditioner (10) performs a cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (13) is switched to the first communication state (the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 1). Further, the on-off valve (16) is opened. At this time, the outdoor expansion valve (15) is closed.

    That is, in this air conditioner (10), in order to set the four-way switching valve (13) to the first communication state, the connection port (in the switching valve groove (34) of the first movable valve body (33) ( The motor is controlled so that the connection ports (A, B) communicate with each other through the on-off valve groove (43) of the on-off valve (16). At this time, the expansion valve groove (45) constituting the outdoor expansion valve (15) comes to a position separated from the connection ports (A, B). That is, in the composite valve (30), the refrigerant passes through the on-off valve (16) without passing through the outdoor expansion valve (15). In this air conditioner (10), an on-off valve (16) is provided and opened during cooling operation, so that the outdoor expansion valve (15) becomes resistance to refrigerant flow during cooling operation. It is preventing.

    And in this air conditioner (10), the opening degree of an indoor expansion valve (17) is adjusted according to the capability which an air conditioner (10) should exhibit. When the compressor (12) is operated in this state, the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit (11) in the order of the outdoor heat exchanger (14), the indoor expansion valve (17), and the indoor heat exchanger (18). A cycle is performed. Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (12) flows into the outdoor heat exchanger (14) through the four-way switching valve (13). The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger (14) dissipates heat to the outdoor air, condenses, and flows into the indoor expansion valve (17) through the on-off valve (16). The refrigerant is decompressed when passing through the indoor expansion valve (17), and flows into the indoor heat exchanger (18). The refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger (18) absorbs heat from the indoor heat exchanger (18) and evaporates. Thereby, in an indoor unit (20), the indoor air cooled with the refrigerant | coolant with the indoor heat exchanger (18) is supplied indoors. Then, the refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger (18) is sucked into the compressor (12) through the four-way switching valve (13). The compressor (12) compresses and discharges the sucked refrigerant. Thereafter, the same operation is repeated to cool the room.

<Heating operation>
During the heating operation, the four-way selector valve (13) is switched to the second communication state (the state indicated by the broken line in FIG. 1). Moreover, the opening degree of an outdoor expansion valve (15) is adjusted according to the capability which an air conditioner (10) should exhibit (refer FIGS. 4-6). At this time, the on-off valve (16) is closed. The indoor expansion valve (17) is fully opened.

    That is, in this air conditioner (10), in order to set the four-way switching valve (13) to the second communication state, the motor is used to connect the first movable valve body (33) between the connection ports (C, S). Is driven to rotate to a position where it communicates. Along with the rotation of the first movable valve body (33), the second movable valve body (42) also rotates integrally, and the expansion valve groove (45) of the second movable valve body (42) is connected to the connection port (A , B). As a result, the connection ports (A, B) are communicated with each other through the expansion valve groove (45). That is, the connection ports (A, B) communicate with each other by the outdoor expansion valve (15). At this time, the opening / closing valve groove (43) of the second movable valve body (42) comes to a position away from the connection port (A, B). That is, in the composite valve (30), the refrigerant passes through the outdoor expansion valve (15) side without passing through the on-off valve (16).

    When the compressor (12) is operated in this state, in the refrigerant circuit (11), the indoor heat exchanger (18), the indoor expansion valve (17) (fully opened), the outdoor expansion valve (15), the outdoor The refrigerant circulates in the order of the heat exchanger (14) to perform a refrigeration cycle. Specifically, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (12) flows into the indoor heat exchanger (18) through the four-way switching valve (13). The refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger (18) dissipates heat to the indoor air and condenses. Thereby, in an indoor unit (20), the indoor air heated with the refrigerant | coolant with the indoor heat exchanger (18) is supplied indoors. The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger (18) passes through the fully opened indoor expansion valve (17) and is sent to the outdoor expansion valve (15). The refrigerant is decompressed when passing through the outdoor expansion valve (15) and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger (14). The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger (14) absorbs heat from the outdoor air and evaporates, and is sucked into the compressor (12) through the four-way switching valve (13). The compressor (12) compresses and discharges the sucked refrigerant. Thereafter, the same operation is repeated to heat the room.

-Effect of Embodiment 1-
According to the first embodiment, the first fixed member (46a), the second fixed valve body (41), the third fixed valve body (48), and the second movable valve body (42), Since the two seal members (46b) are provided, the space between the second movable valve body (42), the second fixed valve body (41), and the third fixed valve body (48) can be sealed. Further, since the lower O-ring (47a) presses the first seal member (46a) and the upper O-ring (47b) presses the second seal member (46b), the first O-ring (47a) and the first seal member (46a) Adhesion between the second fixed valve body (41) and adhesion between the second seal member (46b) and the third fixed valve body (48) can be improved. Therefore, the clearance gap between a 2nd movable valve body (42) and both fixed valve bodies (41,48) can be sealed more. As a result, in the outdoor expansion valve (15), sliding friction between the second movable valve body (42) and the two fixed valve bodies (41, 48) is reduced, and the second movable valve body (42) It is possible to reliably prevent the refrigerant from leaking from the expansion valve groove (45) into the space in the casing (50).

    Moreover, since the closing part (49) is provided in the first seal member (46a), the connection port (B) can be closed according to the rotation of the second movable valve body (42). As a result, the communication state between the connection ports (A, B) can be switched.

    Furthermore, since the first groove (42a) and the second groove (42b) are provided in the second movable valve body (42), the lower O-ring (47a) and the first seal member (46a) are connected to the first groove ( 42a), and the upper O-ring (47b) and the second seal member (46b) can be accommodated in the second groove (42b).

    On the other hand, since the expansion valve groove (45) having a groove width gradually reduced along the rotation direction of the second movable valve body (42) in plan view is formed, the expansion is performed according to the rotation of the second movable valve body (42). The valve groove (45) can adjust the throttle amount of the connection port (A, B). Thereby, the refrigerant | coolant flow volume which flows between both connection ports (A, B) can be adjusted. As a result, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve (15) can be adjusted.

<< Embodiment 2 of the Invention >>
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the composite valve according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This composite valve is configured to be able to switch between which of the two connection ports (A, B) the flow rate is reduced depending on whether the operation is cooling or heating. In this composite valve, the on-off valve (16) provided by the composite valve (30) of Embodiment 1 does not exist. In the refrigerant circuit using this composite valve, the indoor expansion valve (17) is not provided.

    Specifically, in the composite valve according to the second embodiment, the configuration of the outdoor expansion valve is different from that of the first embodiment, and this outdoor expansion valve (55) is a movable valve body (second movable valve body (56)). There is a characteristic in composition. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the arrangement order of the connection ports (C, D, E, S) in the first fixed valve body (31) is different from that in the first embodiment. The shape and interval of the connection port are the same as in the first embodiment.

<Second movable valve element (56)>
The second movable valve body (56) of the second embodiment has a sector shape (generally semicircular in this example) in plan view, and is on the upper surface (upper side in FIG. 7) side of the second fixed valve body (41). It arrange | positions so that this 2nd fixed valve body (41) may be slidably contacted. An expansion valve groove (57) is formed in the second movable valve body (56). The expansion valve groove (57) constitutes the outdoor expansion valve (15) together with the connection ports (A, B).

    As shown in FIG. 7, the groove for expansion valve (57) has a crescent shape in plan view. When the first movable valve body (33) is rotationally driven by a motor and set to a position corresponding to the second communication state of the four-way switching valve (13), the second movable valve body (56) is expanded. The valve groove (57) faces the connection port (A, B) and communicates between the connection ports (A, B).

    Specifically, the expansion valve groove (57) has an arc passing through the groove center (hereinafter referred to as a center arc; see FIG. 7) concentric with a virtual circle that defines the position of the connection port (A, B). Same diameter. In the example of FIG. 7, the groove width of the largest groove width is approximately the same as the diameter of the connection port (A, B). The central angle in the central arc of the expansion valve groove (57) is set larger than the interval between the connection ports (A, B). Specifically, when the second movable valve body (56) rotates within a range in which the four-way switching valve (13) can maintain the first communication state, the left half of the expansion valve groove (57) (see FIG. 7). ) Is opposed to both of the connection ports (A, B) or only the connection port (B), and the second movable valve body (56) rotates and moves within a range where the second communication state can be maintained. The central arc length is set so that the right half of the valve groove (57) faces both the connection ports (A, B) or only the connection port (A).

    Grooves (a first groove and a second groove) having a predetermined width along the peripheral edge of the expansion valve groove (57) are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the second movable valve body (56). One seal member (not shown) and the second seal member (58) are accommodated. The configurations of the first seal member and the second seal member are the same as those in the first embodiment. These sealing members seal the space in the expansion valve groove (57) and the space in the casing (50).

    With the above configuration, in the first communication state (that is, during cooling operation), the distal end side of the expansion valve groove (57) is positioned on the connection port (A) side, and the opening amount of the connection port (A) is adjusted. . As a result, the refrigerant flow rate between the connection ports (A, B) is controlled. That is, in this embodiment, the opening area of the connection port on the side where the refrigerant pressure is large is set larger than the other. On the other hand, in the second communication state (that is, during heating operation), the distal end side of the expansion valve groove (57) is positioned on the connection port (B) side, and the opening amount of the connection port (B) is adjusted. Thereby, the refrigerant | coolant flow volume between connection ports (A, B) is controlled also in a 2nd communication state. Also in this case, the opening area of the connection port on the side where the refrigerant pressure is large is set larger than the other.

<Operation of compound valve>
In FIG. 7, (A) illustrates the operation of the second movable valve body (56) and the like during the cooling operation and (B) illustrates the operation during the heating operation, respectively.

<During cooling operation>
For example, during cooling operation, as shown in (1) to (3) of FIG. 7A, on the four-way switching valve (13) side, the connection port (E, S) is connected to the switching valve groove (34). The connection ports (C, D) communicate with each other through a space in the casing (50).

    On the other hand, on the outdoor expansion valve (15) side, at the stage (1), one end side (tip side) of the expansion valve groove (57) is on the connection port (B), and the connection port (A) is It is hidden under the second movable valve body (56). That is, the connection ports (A, B) are not in communication. Then, when the second movable valve body (56) rotates clockwise to reach the stage (2), the distal end side of the expansion valve groove (57) is on the connection port (A), and the connection port (A) The flow path is narrowed. On the other hand, the connection port (B) faces the portion near the center of the expansion valve groove (57) and is controlled to be fully opened. Further, when the second movable valve body (56) rotates clockwise to reach the stage (3), the connection port (A) has a wider width of the expansion valve groove (57) than the stage (2). Opposite the wide part. Therefore, the amount of restriction of the connection port (A) is smaller in the stage (3) than in the stage (2).

<During heating operation>
Further, during the heating operation, as shown in (4) to (6) of FIG. 7B, on the four-way switching valve (13) side, the connection port (C, S) is connected to the switching valve groove (34). The connection ports (D, E) communicate with each other via a space in the casing (50).

    On the other hand, in the outdoor expansion valve (15), in the stage (4), the other end side of the expansion valve groove (57) (the right end side of the expansion valve groove (57) in FIG. 7 (4)) is Located slightly to the right of the connection port (B), the connection port (A) faces a portion close to the center of the expansion valve groove (57). That is, in the stage (4), all the connection ports (A) are in an open state, and the flow path of the connection port (B) is restricted. Further, when the second movable valve body (56) rotates clockwise to reach the stage (5), the flow path of the connection port (A) is narrowed, but the flow path on the connection port (B) side However, the aperture is large. At the stage (6), the connection port (B) is hidden under the second movable valve body (56). That is, the connection ports (A, B) are not in communication. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention may be configured as follows for the first and second embodiments.

    In Embodiments 1 and 2, the configuration of the present invention is applied to the outdoor expansion valve (15). However, the configuration of the present invention can also be applied to the on-off valve (16).

    In addition, the above embodiment is an essentially preferable illustration, Comprising: It does not intend restrict | limiting the range of this invention, its application thing, or its use.

    As described above, the present invention is useful for measures for preventing fluid leakage of the fluid control valve.

41 Second fixed valve element 42 Second movable valve element 42a First groove 42b Second groove 45 Expansion valve groove 46a First seal member 46b Second seal member 47a Lower O-ring 47b Upper O-ring 48 Third fixed valve element 49 Blocking part

Claims (4)

A movable valve body (42) having a communication passage (45) in which a fluid flows is formed, and the movable valve body (42) rotates around a predetermined axis to open to the communication passage (45). A flow control valve for controlling the communication state between the valve holes (A, B),
The communication path (45) passes through the movable valve body (42) in the axial direction,
A first valve seat (41) and a second valve seat (48) facing each other with a predetermined gap between both end faces of the movable valve body (42) in the axial direction;
Provided on both end surfaces of the movable valve body (42) in the axial direction and arranged around the communication passage (45) in close contact with the valve seats (41, 48) so as to seal the gap. A first seal member (46a) and a second seal member (46b),
The first valve seat (41) is formed with the plurality of valve holes (A, B),
The first seal member (46a) is formed to have a size capable of closing at least one valve hole (B) among the plurality of valve holes (A, B) according to the rotation of the movable valve body (42). A flow control valve characterized by having a closed part (49). In claim 1,
The movable valve body (42) is formed of an elastic body and is formed of an elastic body and a first pressing member (47a) that presses the first seal member (46a) toward the first valve seat (41). And a second pressing member (47b) for pressing the second seal member (46b) toward the second valve seat (48). In claim 2,
The movable valve body (42) is formed with a first groove (42a) and a second groove (42b) for accommodating the first seal member (46a) and the second seal member (46b), respectively.
The flow rate control valve, wherein the first pressing member (47a) and the second pressing member (47b) are accommodated in the first groove (42a) and the second groove (42b), respectively. In any one of Claims 1-3,
The first valve seat (41) has a first valve hole (A) and a second valve hole (B) as the valve holes (A, B), and the first valve hole (A), Two valve holes (B) are arranged on the same virtual circle on the first valve seat (41),
The communication passage (45) is formed in a throttle groove (45) having a groove width gradually reduced along the rotation direction of the movable valve body (42) in a plan view, and according to the rotation of the movable valve body (42). The flow control valve is characterized in that the throttle groove (45) is configured to control the throttle amount of the first valve hole (A) or the second valve hole (B).

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